10 things you should do before work to make your day better

It’s Monday. You have 5 more days to go until the weekend and you’re probably feeling a little bit down about your life. First of all, gents, you need to snap out of it. The average person works for 90,000 hours in his lifetime, so it’s more than likely that you’ve got a long way to go. Without sounding cheesy, and with the risk of sounding a little too over-enthusiastic about life, I reckon everyone should start seeing Monday as a fresh start, rather than the worst hours of the week where you find yourself sitting, counting away every minute. If you’re that miserable, change something. But if you’re just being a little bit spoilt, here are the things you can do to improve every single work-day this week – starting before you even get on the tube to work.

Unless you’re going to and from meetings, it’s pretty likely that from the moment that you get onto the tube to the moment you leave your desk, you’re going to be sitting indoors, in the same position. Therefore it should become imperative for you to set your alarm earlier – even if it’s just by 30 minutes – and get outside. If you’re a runner, go for a run and if you’re not, a walk will do. There’s nothing quite like running outside in the calm of the early morning before the rest of the world has woken up.

(Image: Flickr)

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you’re manic in the morning, that’s going to be how you spend the rest of your day: panicked and rushed. Making small tweaks – especially the night before – will make all the difference, even if it’s something as simple as getting the clothes you want to wear sorted. The nature of the world we live in means that everyone’s on the clock 24/7, but there are massive benefits in actually pausing your day and taking your time over even the smallest and seemingly most mundane parts of your day.

(Photo: Goldsmiths Dolphins)

Emails, social media and the desire to be accessible to the world 24/7 means that we’re never actually entirely switching off. Keeping the emails on your phone can definitely have its benefits during your contracted working hours, but there’s nothing like a demanding 5am email from your boss to ruin your morning. Keep your work emails switched off until you get into the office and it’s time to actually think about work. We promise, this will make all the difference.

(Photo: Wired)

Before you completely ignore this section, take a second to just listen to the benefits of meditation. Not only is it the perfect time to slow your crazy mind and to take a moment for yourself, but you’ll also feel an immediate and absolute sense of calm from the second you step off the matt. There’s nothing better than actually taking the time for yourself, watching your meditation skills grow and harnessing the ability to fully switch off.

(Photo: Rich Roll)

You sit at your desk to eat lunch – and sometimes dinner – so why make that three meals a day when you could very easily be sitting at home eating a home-cooked meal? We’re not saying that every single morning needs to start with you channeling your inner Jamie Oliver, but it’s important to take that time and actually eat something (preferably something healthy) that’s going to tie you over until lunch. And if you’re not one to eat breakfast, at least take that time to make yourself a decent cup or coffee. You’ll thank yourself later.

(Photo: Symmetry breakfast)

There’s nothing quite like reading up on the most important world news with a real-life newspaper – rather than just hearing about something over Twitter. For some reason, reading a newspaper is now seen as a luxury reserved purely for the weekends, which it absolutely should not be.

(Photo: Riders Alliance)

It’s more than likely that you’re going to spend the whole day in front of a screen, so make sure that you don’t give into the temptation of Instagram or the Daily Mail while you’re enjoying your (home cooked) meal. Leave your phone, iPad or laptop outside the room and pick up that newspaper, magazine or book that’s screaming for your attention. Better still, use the time to just sit in peace, talk to your housemate or listen to the radio.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to walk or cycle to work, take the time to put in a call to a family member or friend. It’s the perfect way to take your mind off any stress – no matter how big or small.

On Sunday night, right around the moment that you start to feel pretty sorry for yourself because it’s Monday tomorrow, make a list of all of the stuff that you want to do that week, get in touch with friends you want to see and get planning – whether that means meeting at a pub or going to the theatre. There’s a lot to be said about pre-planning and forward thinking, and nothing like meeting up with a good friend after work to get you excited about the day ahead.

…and wake up. Stop sleeping through snooze 7 times. Get up earlier and seize the day, gents. There are so many things that you can do before you start your commute that will make the day better and more productive, but not if you’re sleeping in until the very last minute. If you’re tired, go to bed earlier. It really is as simple as that gents, and now it’s up to you.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more